EWS1 Form

Brisbanebronco

Hi - I am looking for some advice in relation to a property im trying to sell (in Scotland)
Property is a flat in a small block 4 storeys high and has a small balcony. The balcony is made of steel and has a 3ft by 3 ft timber decking surface.
The home report identified that an EWS1 form would be required on the basis that the balcony was comprised of some combustible material ie the decking. I dont have one, I am aware these are quite expensive and difficult to obtain at the moment. I subsequently accepted an offer on the property. The buyers solicitor contacted mine and requested the form, stating that the lender would require one. This isnt always the case and I provided the names of some lenders I know that wouldnt, furthermore some lenders would review the lend on a case by case basis. My solicitor responded accordingly. The buyers solicitor subsequently replied and advised that the form would be required for the sale to proceed. There is a lack of qualified individuals in the area to conduct  an assessment and they are difficult to obtain at the moment, plus there is obviously a cost. Does anyone have any experience of a similar situation or could help advise on how best to proceed? is it the case that the form is required for the sale?
thanks for any help as im getting desperate...

Slithery

If the current purchaser refuses to buy without one then you have no other choice but to find a new buyer.

numbercruncher8

A common issue at the the moment.

However it may already be the case that the buyers lender already did review it on a case by case basis and decided that it was needed.

There is no way to produce one on your own; ask the freeholder whether this is in progress for the building. If it is imminent the buyer may wait, if it is not they probably will not.

The only real thing you can do is to state up front in the ad that the form is required, that may prevent you from getting to this stage with another buyer. If you are so certain of the lenders, disclosing this upfront would also save time as buyers know where to apply for their mortgage.

If you are desperate you can simply seek to sell the flat to someone who doesn't need a mortgage and hence the EWS form, but this will most likely be at a discount to compensate.

theartfullodger

Slithery said:

If the current purchaser refuses to buy without one then you have no other choice but to find a new buyer.

Let's not be short-sited, of course there are other choices: One other option is get an EWS1 yourself.  I had to, |£1,440, September 2020 for a 2-story semi also in Scotland.  Probably 10 minutes work...  I'm content with the matter (but remain disgusted with the whole Grenfell/EWS1 lack of decency by this Tory "government")

Other options including deciding not to sell at all, or giving the property to a deserving cause....